Organizers of the 48th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, which will be held in September, gathered for a pre-show event yesterday with industry dignitaries and government officials. Khun Anchalee Promnart, Thailand's deputy director general of the Department of Export Promotion, told attendees that this trade show has become an important driver for the industry's growth.

"Due to the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, global traders recognize and accept --with highest confidence-- the drive of the Thai gems and jewelry industry," she said. "We have exceeded our expectations as Thailand heads towards being a leader in the world's gems and jewelry trade."

Somchai Phornchindarak, the president of the Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association, said this year's jewelry fair comes at a time when Thailand expects to exceed its target gem and jewelry exports of $12 billion. Export figures for the first two quarters already reflected a 10 percent year on year increase and totaled $6.55 billion. Somchai added that exports have also been given a boost from the Zero VAT incentive for import of rough stones, various free trade agreements with China and India and several initiatives tied into other ASEAN countries.

''Additionally, the Ploi Thai country brand has played a crucial role in creating awareness and understanding of Thai craftsmanship and ingenuity for gems and jewelry creation all across the world that will eventually lead to the strategic target of making Thailand the world's gems and jewelry hub,'' Somchai said.

The Bangkok Gem & Jewelry Fair's new chief executive, Wisut Ittipornvanich, said, "We have continuously increased numbers of visitors and exhibitors from the 47th Bangkok Gem & Jewelry Fair, with the strategy for the event to become a major force of the Thai gems and jewelry industry to the world."

The 48th annual Bangkok Gem & Jewelry Fair will be held at the Challenger Hall of IMPACT, in Muang Thong Thani, which is Thailand's largest exhibition center, from September 14 to 18, 2011. The exhibit hosts more than 1,800 companies along with country pavilions from Italy, Hong Kong, China, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia, and a diamond pavilion equipped for 200 booths.